Sociology (SOC)

SOC 100. The Sociology of Human Relations. 3 Credit Hours.

The study of sociology provides a framework for understanding the ways in which social institutions influence how people think about themselves and how they behave with others. This course applies this human relations framework to questions about how to build effective communities in diverse environments. Topics may include developing open-mindedness toward cultural variations, working in diverse environments, adjusting to change, social responsibility for behavior, and conflict management. Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency.

SOC 101. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is a general survey of the discipline of sociology. The course explores the reciprocal relationship between individuals and social institutions. Specifically it examines how social forces both shape and are shaped by beliefs and behaviors regarding ourselves and others. Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency.

SOC 103. Human Behavior at Work and in Business. 3 Credit Hours.

Course framework will be the organization and what people must do to become more effective within it. Focus will be in five major areas self-concept development, listening skills, expression, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency.

SOC 126. Study of Psychodynamic Substances. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will focus on the properties of drugs as chemicals and their impact on the body and mind. The history of drug use and abuse, issues surrounding addiction, factors that indicate a high risk to addiction and the interaction of drugs with each other will be examined. Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency.

SOC 201. Aspects of Aging. 3 Credit Hours.

Aspects of Aging examines sociological forces that affect life quality in the later years. Social, psychological, and physiological aspects of aging will be considered, emphasizing influences in the socio-cultural context that enhance and impede continued growth of the person. Prerequisites: SOC 101, PSY 200 or HMS 100 and Reading Proficiency.

SOC 202. Social Problems. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey course that offers a sociological examination of select global social problems. Topics of examination may include poverty, delinquency and crime, education, population, racial inequality, healthcare, gender inequality, alcohol and drugs, and environmental degradation, among others. The course also emphasizes research methodologies used to examine these problems as well as theoretical perspectives which can be used to understand the problems and, in turn, to create social change. Prerequisites: SOC 101 and Reading Proficiency, or permissions of instructor.

SOC 203. Crime and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the relationship between crime and various aspects of society. The course will critically analyze crime from multiple sociological perspectives, and will compare various types of crime and crime policy globally. The course will also examine the major substantive areas of crime and society. Prerequisites: SOC 101 or SOC 102 or permission of instructor and Reading Proficiency.

SOC 204. Family and Society. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the interaction between marriage, family, and society. Specifically, the course investigates how wider social forces influence marriages and families in historical and contemporary times. The course will critically analyze traditional conceptualizations of marriage and family, and examine the various forms contemporary families take. The course will also examine dynamics within families, such as parenting, violence and abuse, remarriage, divorce, aging, communication, and dealing with conflicts and crises. Prerequisites: SOC 101 or SOC 102 and Reading Proficiency.

SOC 211. Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. 3 Credit Hours.

Course focuses on nature, causes, treatment and prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse. Strategies of education and treatment will be reviewed. Course designed to deal with problems encountered either personally or professionally. Course also looks at social and cultural factors in alcoholism and drug abuse. Prerequisite: Reading Proficiency.

SOC 212. Race and Ethnicity. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the social and historical processes that shape race and ethnicity, focusing on the consequences for students' everyday lives. Students investigate how each are embedded in societal systems of privilege and oppression. The course ultimately challenges common definitions of race and offers students the opportunity to understand their lives within the context of racial injustice, ethnic diversity, and socially created difference. Prerequisites: SOC 101 or permission of instructor, and Reading Proficiency.